Keto Cauliflower Ziti Recipe
This Keto Cauliflower Ziti is a low-carb, high-protein comfort dish that replaces traditional pasta with tender steamed cauliflower florets, layered with a flavorful ground beef tomato sauce and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 14 oz cans chopped tomatoes
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the casserole.
- Steam the cauliflower: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 3 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and paprika, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and brown it thoroughly over 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and chopped tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Combine cauliflower and beef sauce: Pour the beef tomato mixture over the steamed cauliflower in the bowl and mix until evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the cauliflower and meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining cauliflower mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the casserole hot for a hearty keto-friendly meal.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cauliflower well after boiling to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and paprika.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute cheeses with low-carb alternatives if you prefer.
Keywords: Keto cauliflower ziti, low-carb casserole, keto dinner, cauliflower pasta substitute, baked keto casserole, ground beef keto recipes
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/keto-cauliflower-ziti-recipe/
